What is a potential risk associated with using restraints on residents?

Using restraints on residents can indeed elevate the risk of injury during falls. While restraints may seem like a method to prevent residents from injuring themselves or others, they can have the opposite effect. When a resident is restrained, especially if they attempt to move or get up, they may not be able to balance properly, leading to a higher likelihood of falling. The limited mobility can also cause confusion or agitation, prompting them to struggle against the restraints, which can increase the risk of injury.

It's important to recognize that the use of restraints does not automatically correlate with improved safety or behavior control. In fact, employing restraints can lead to physical and psychological harm, thereby raising concerns regarding their overall safety effectiveness. Strategies that promote mobility and independence tend to yield better outcomes in resident care, reducing the need for restraints.